Unfortunately, the Government of Canada has only given us (the Unitarian Church of Vancouver) permission to bring in a small number of refugees. We have used up all the permissions we have for 2021 and 2022 so cannot take any more refugees right now. We are sad for you, but we can not help you right now.

Also, because of the international laws regarding refugees, we won’t ever be able to help you if you are still in your home country. We understand that it is horrible to be unsafe in your own country, but the 1951 Refugee Convention is very unforgiving. We are only allowed to help (a few of the) refugees who have left their home country.

We hope to get more permissions for 2023. Please check back here on 1 June 2022. If the Government of Canada has given us more permissions by then, we will have a form for you to fill out to explain your situation.

In the meantime, if you have close family in Canada, then perhaps a family reunification program will work.

If you have friends in Canada, they may be able to bring you under the Group of Five program, if you have “official” refugee status. Unfortunately many legitimate refugees do not have such status, even if they live in refugee camps.

If you are from Afghanistan, the Canadian Government has special resources for you.

Again, we are very sad for you, and wish we could help you. We wish you a safe and successful journey.